Om Puri

Om Prakash Puri (18 October 1950 – 6 January 2017) was an Indian actor who appeared in mainstream commercial Hindi films as well as English, Punjabi, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Gujarati, Urdu, and Marathi films, as well as independent and art films and also starred in several international cinema. He is widely regarded as one of the finest actors in world cinema. He won two National Film Awards for Best Actor, two Filmfare Awards and India's fourth highest civilian award Padma Shri in 1990. In 2004, he was made an honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

He is best known for his author-backed roles in films like Aakrosh (1980), Arohan (1982), Ardh Satya (1983), Disco Dancer (1982) television films like Sadgati (1981) and Tamas (1987), light-hearted roles in Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), Chachi 420 (1997), Hera Pheri (2000), Chup Chup Ke (2006) and Dhol (2007) and several mainstream commercial films throughout his career. He had various collaborations with director Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani. Puri also appeared in non-Indian productions in the United States, Pakistan and Britain. In the 1990s, he appeared in My Son the Fanatic (1997) and the comedy drama East Is East (1999), receiving a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

Early life Om Puri was born on 18 October 1950 in Ambala, in the East Punjab state of India (now in Haryana, India), into a Punjabi Hindu family. His father, Tek Chand Puri, worked on the railways and in the Indian Army. Puri's parents received no birth certificate and had no records, so his family was unsure of his birth date. But his mother told him he had been born two days after the Hindu festival of Dussehra. When he began his schooling, his uncle chose 9 March 1950 as his "official" birthday. However, as an adult when he moved to Mumbai, Puri looked up when Dussehra was celebrated in 1950, to establish his birth date as 18 October.

Puri came from an underprivileged background. When he was six years old, his father who was a railway employee was put behind bars on allegations of theft of cement. This resulted in their family becoming homeless. To make ends meet, Puri's brother, Ved Prakash Puri, worked as a coolie (railway porter) and Puri worked in a local tea shop, did odd jobs and collected coal from nearby railways tracks to support his family. He and his brother's children were later brought up by a maid servant, Shanti.

While working, Puri continued to study. After his primary education, he joined the National School of Drama in Delhi to study theatre acting. A fellow NSD student who became a long-term friend, Naseeruddin Shah, encouraged Puri to follow him to the Film and Television Institute of India in Poona (present-day Pune). In an interview with The Times of India, Puri later recounted his family was so poor that he did not have a decent shirt to wear when he joined FTII. According to Shah, Puri was disappointed by his education at FTII, and also was unable to pay tuition fees—when he became well-known, the institute followed up the debt of ₹280, which Puri refused to pay due to the "impish thrill" of owing them money.

Career Puri's first film was Chor Chor Chhup ja, a children's film. During this time, to make ends meet he also worked at the Actors' Studio, where future actors such as Gulshan Grover and Anil Kapoor would be his students.

Puri made his debut in the mainstream films genre in the 1976 Marathi film Ghashiram Kotwal, based on a Marathi play of the same name by Vijay Tendulkar. He has claimed that he was paid "peanuts" for his best work. Along with Amrish Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil, he was among the main actors who starred in what was then referred to as art films such as Bhavni Bhavai (1980), Sadgati (1981), Ardh Satya (1982), Mirch Masala (1986) and Dharavi (1992).

He was critically acclaimed for his performances in many unconventional roles such as a victimized tribal in Aakrosh (1980); a police inspector in Ardh Satya (1982), a humble husband in Seepeeyan (1984), In the mid-1990s, he diversified to play character roles in mainstream Hindi cinema, where his roles are more tuned to mass audiences than film critics. He became known internationally by starring in many British films such as My Son the Fanatic (1997), East Is East (1999)

He has worked in Hindi television serials like Kakkaji Kaheen (1988) (roughly meaning "Uncle Says") as a paan-chewing 'Kakkaji', which was a parody on politicians, and Mr. Yogi (1989) as a suave 'Sutradhaar' who enjoys pulling the protagonist's leg. These two serials underlined Om Puri's versatility as a comedian. He received critical acclaim for his performance in Govind Nihalani's television film Tamas (1988)

In 2014, he appeared opposite Helen Mirren in the comedy-drama The Hundred-Foot Journey.

Several of his completed films released after his death including Viceroy's House and Tubelight.

Personal life Puri married director/writer Seema Kapoor, the sister of actor Annu Kapoor, in 1991, but their marriage ended after eight months.

In 1993, he married journalist Nandita Puri, with whom he had a son. In 2009, Nandita wrote a biography of her husband titled Unlikely Hero: The Story of Om Puri. Upon the book's publication, Puri spoke of his anger at the inclusion of explicit details of his previous relationships. In 2013, Nandita filed an allegation of domestic violence against him, and the two opted for a judicial separation shortly afterwards.

His second wife reported that they kept a "secular house", but that "while Om is not ritualistic, he does not mind others being so".

Controversies During the 2011 Indian anti-corruption movement launched by Anna Hazare, Puri targeted the political class by using terms like anpadh (meaning uneducated), nalayak (meaning incompetent), and 'ganwar' (a word often use to describe backward and illiterate), as well as corrupt. The comment did not go down well with members of parliament from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, who sent privilege notices against Puri. He subsequently apologised for his comments, stating that it came out as he was emotionally charged during the moment.

In October 2016, Puri appeared for a debate on a news channel regarding a Hindi film producer's ban on Pakistani actors after the Uri attack. During the debate, he made insulting comments about Indian soldiers which led to heavy criticism on social media. However, Puri later apologised for his comments.

Death On 6 January 2017, Puri died at the age of 66, after having a heart attack at his residence in Andheri, Mumbai. He was honoured at the 89th Academy Awards in memoriam segment for his contribution in world cinema.

Filmography Hindi films Year Title Role Notes1975 Kalla Kalla Bachitko Chor Chor Chhupja 1977 Smothered Voices Bhumika Godhuli Yengta 1978 Arvind Desai Ki Ajeeb Dastaan Rajesh Bhookh Colonel 1979 Shaayad Nandlal Saanch Ko Aanch Nahin 1980 Sparsh Dubey Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai Madhu Aakrosh Lahanya Bhiku Won – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor1981 Hari Hondal Bargadar : Share Cropper Kalyug Bhavani Pandey Shodh Surendra 1982 Gandhi Nahari Disco Dancer David Brown Waqt-Waqt Ki Baat Raaste Pyar Ke Suldev Vijeta Arvind 1983 Gumnaam Hai Koi Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro Ahuja Arohan Hari Mondal Won – National Film Award for Best Actor Ardh Satya Anant Velankar Won – National Film Award for Best ActorNominated – Filmfare Award for Best Actor Mandi Ram Gopal Bekaraar Ashray 1984 Party Avinash Maati Maangey Khoon Durjan Singh Duniya Vasudev Shrant Raavan Samant Paar Ram Naresh Ram Ki Ganga Laalu / Lal Dandhwani Tarang Namdev Sheeshay Ka Ghar Giddh Bhashya 1985 Paththar Resham Singh Zamana Shyamlal Bahu Ki Awaaz Advocate Jaswant Srivastav Holi Principal Pandey Nasoor Dr Sunil Sanjhi Bhikhu Aghaat Trade Unionist Debshishu Poor Labourer 1986 Antaheen Genesis The weaver New Delhi Times Ajay Singh 1987 Debshishu Mirch Masala Abu Mian Goraa Susman Ramulu Marte Dam Tak Daulat / D.K. 1988 Achanak Hum Farishte Nahin Gopi / Tala Master / Murlidhar Ek Hi Maqsad Ram Kumar Verma 1989 Shagun Sava Ser Gehu Darshana Ilaaka Bheema (Raja's Foster Father) 1990 Sankranti Kayedi Halaat Ghayal ACP Joe D'Souza Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor Disha Parshuram 'Pagal Parsa' Sarpat 1991 Irada Shankar Narsimha Suraj Narayan Singh 'Baapji' Meena Bazar Antarnaad 1992 Karm Yodha Sub-Inspector Patwardhan Raat Sharji Current Velu Dharavi Rajkaran 1993 Aakanksha Maya Memsaab The Burning Season Rajiv Sharma Patang Mathura In Custody Deven 1994 Ankuram Satyam Drohkaal DCP Abhay Singh Purush Triyacharitra Billar 1995 Ek Ka Jawab Do Beparoa Zakhmi Sipahi Om Chaudhary Aatank Hi Aatank Sharad Joshi Target Rambharosa Tarpan Jassu Kartavya Ghulam Rasul 1996 PremGranth Baliram Krishna Minister Amar Prabhakar Maachis Sanatan Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor Ghatak: Lethal Sachdev Ram Aur Shyam D.I.G. Suryapratap Thakur Talaashi Inspector Puri 1997 Zameer: The Awakening of a Soul Jaichand Marwah Gupt: The Hidden Truth Inspector Udham Singh Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor Bhai Advocate Satyaprakash Chachi 420 Banwari lal-Secy Mrityudand Rambaran Mahto Nirnayak Inspector Nanak Chupp Keshav Narang Aastha Amar 1998 Vinashak – Destroyer Inspector Khan Zor: Never Underestimate the Force Shah Alam Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha Inspector Khan Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor China Gate Krishnakant Puri 1999 Khoobsurat Dilip Chaudhary 2000 Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge Bhola Nath Pukar Colonel Hussein Hey Ram Subhash Goel Hera Pheri Khadak Singh Kunwara Balraj Singh Kurukshetra Baburao Deshmukh Ghaath Ajay Pandey Zindagi Zindabad Bas Yaari Rakho Tom 2001 Farz ACP Arjun Singh Zahreela Arun Dev Gadar: Ek Prem Katha Narrator Indian Joginder Singh Deewaanapan Prakash Saxena - Suraj's dad Is Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 2002 Pitaah Thakur Avadh Narayan Singh Maa Tujhhe Salaam Narrator Voice Kranti Col. Krishnakanth Ansh: The Deadly Part Bhagat Pandey Pyaar Diwana Hota Hai S. Puri Awara Paagal Deewana Ballu Bolbachan Shararat DCP Bhosle Chor Machaaye Shor DCP Pandey Guru Mahaaguru Crocodile Ghaav: The Wound Inspector Gautam 2003 Aapko Pehle Bhi Kahin Dekha Hai Sam Kash Aap Hamare Hote Yashwant Raj Mankotia Ek Aur Ek Gyarah: By Hook or by Crook Narrator Uncredited Miss India: The Mystery Inspector Yograj Maqbool Inspector Pandit Chupke Se Qasim Khan Qayamat Kagaar: Life on the Edge Sub-Inspector Gokhale Dhoop Father of Dead Military Man Pyaar Kiya Nahin Jaata Om Prakash Khurana 2004 Yuva Prosonjit Bhatacharya Aan: Men at Work Police Commissioner Khurana Dev Special Commissioner Tejinder Khosla Lakshya Subedar Maj. Pritam Singh Kyun! Ho Gaya Na... Amit Khanna King of Bollywood Karan Kumar AK-47 Commissioner Yashwant Sinha Stop! Anand Mehra 2005 Zinda Dil Kisna: The Warrior Poet Jumman Miya Mumbai Xpress ACP S.P. Rao Mangal Pandey: The Rising Narrator Amar Joshi Shahid Ho Gaya Writer Kyon Ki Dr. Khurana Deewane Huye Paagal Mehboob / Scientist Khurana The Hangman Shiva Sathe 2006 Rang De Basanti Amanullah Khan Baghi Haakam Singh Malamaal Weekly Balwant 'Balu' Chup Chup Ke Prabhat Singh Chauhan Baabul Balwant Kapoor Don: The Chase Begins Again CBI Officer Vishal Malik 2007 Khallas: The Beginning of End A.C.P. Akhlaq Khan Delhii Heights Timmy Kohli Panga Naa Lo Kartar Singh Fool & Final Father of Rahul / Raja Buddha Mar Gaya Vidyut Baba / Vidya Victoria No. 203 Rana Dhol Tripathi Dum Kaata Ranade / Aabu Shoot on Sight Junaid Welcome Narrator 2008 Yaariyan Jagpal Bir 'J.B.' Singh Lovesongs: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow Aftab Jaffrey Mere Baap Pehle Aap Madhav Mathur Kismat Konnection Sanjeev Gill Money Hai Toh Honey Hai Narrator Singh Is Kinng Rangeela Mukhbiir SP Intelligence — Rathod Maharathi ACP Gokhale 2009 Chal Chala Chal Omkar Nath Billu Sahukaar Daamchand Delhi-6 Madan Gopal Sharma Baabarr Daroga Chaturvedi London Dreams Arjun's uncle Life Goes On Alok Kurbaan Bhaijaan Bolo Raam Inspector Indrajeet Singh Rathi 2010 Road to Sangam Mohammad Ali Kasuri Na Ghar Ke Na Ghaat Ke Sankata Prasad Tripathi Kushti Jiten Singh Dabangg Inspector Kasturilal Vishkarma Action Replayy Rai Bhahadur 2011 Teen Thay Bhai Chixie Gill Kucch Luv Jaisaa Madhu's Father Love Express Khadak Singh Bakshi Bin Bulaye Baraati Sub Inspector Pralay Pratap Singh Khap Sarpanch Don 2: The King is Back CBI Officer Vishal Malik Society Kaam Se Gayi 2012 Agneepath Additional Commissioner Gaitonde Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya Chaudhary Chaar Din Ki Chandni Fatoor Singh Mere Dost Picture Abhi Baaki Hai Baig Saab Krishna Aur Kans Kans Voice Son of Flower Munshi Pyare Lal Suman Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal David OMG: Oh My God! Hanif Qureshi Chakravyuh Govind Suryavanshi 2013 Policegiri Commissioner The Lovers Uncredited2014 Heartless Sanjay Trehan Bazaar E Husn Kishan Chand Aa Gaye Munde U.K. De Daleep Singh Dhillon Little Terrors Abdul-Wadood Kamil 2015 Jai Jawaan Jai Kisaan Dr. Rajendra Prasad Dirty Politics Laddu Babu aka Sai Kumar Konakandla Jai Ho Democracy Pandeyji Uvaa Hukum Pratap Choudhary Miss Tanakpur Haazir Ho Matang Singh Bajrangi Bhaijaan Moulana Sahab Welcome Back Narrator Voice Hogaya Dimaagh Ka Dahi Mirza Kishan Singh Joseph 2016 Ghayal Once Again ACP Joe D'Souza Project Marathwada Tukaram Waarrior Savitri Yamraj A Death in the Gunj O.P Bakshi Mirzya Munna (Lauhar) Gandhigiri Rai Saheb Yeh Hai Lollipop Masoom Chaar Sahibzaade: Rise of Banda Singh Bahadur Narrator Chapekar Brothers Bal Gangadhar Tilak 2017 Prakash Electronic Narrator The Ghazi Attack Admiral V.S. Nanda Posthumous release Tubelight Banne Chacha Posthumous release Mr. Kabaadi Channulal Surmewala Posthumous release2018 Lashtam Pashtam Saleem Posthumous release2019 The Gandhi Murder T.G., Director General of Police Posthumous release2020 Gul Makai General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Posthumous release Omprakash Zindabaad Rambhajjan Posthumous release 2023 Khela Hobe Fareek Bhai Posthumous release TBA 2006 Varanasi – The Untold Posthumous release; Completed; Unreleased

English films

Other language films

Television

Awards and nominations Civilian awards 1990: Padma Shri – India's fourth highest civilian award.

Film awards

Other honours 1998: Grand Prix Special des Amériques at the Montreal World Film Festival for exceptional contribution to the cinematographic art. 2004: Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to The British Film Industry.